Is this what you've been waiting for?

Windows 8.1 (codenamed “Windows Blue”) is due out on October 18 so it is time to look at whether Microsoft’s new Operating System is right for you.

Here are some reasons to upgrade to 8.1:

The start button is back! One of the main reasons why Windows 7 and XP users were scared of Windows 8 is because it looks quite different. Thankfully the start button returns in version 8.1 to make it easier to transition from an older version.

Everything feels a bit faster in Windows 8.1 and the new version is much faster than XP. You’ll appreciate the speed improvements - from booting up to zipping files.

Windows 8.1 is great if you want your tablet to perform as fast as your PC. Unlike the iPad it is great for running programs such as Excel and Word.

It includes a Cloud-based file storage application called Skydrive. Skydrive stores a copy of your files in the Cloud making it easy to share files and back-up. Skydrive is fully integrated into Windows 8.1 and it is very easy to use.

Searching is now much more efficient. Windows 8.1 uses Bing to search the web, your files and your Skydrive all at the click of a mouse (or the touch of a finger). It makes sense to see your search results from files, apps, settings and the web in one place.

You can do more things at once. Once you get used to Windows Snap Views you will wonder how you worked without it. Snap Views makes it easy to work on 2 or 3 apps at once without having to switch between screens.

And here are some reasons why you may NOT wish to upgrade just yet:

Although Windows 8.1 is faster and more feature rich than earlier versions some say it does not make a big difference to your day-to-day productivity (unless you are still running XP – then you’ll notice a big difference). Review 8.1’s new features carefully and if they do not excite you then maybe now is not the time to upgrade.

Make sure your software is compatible. Some industry-specific software (e.g. Practise management or ERP) are not yet certified for Windows 8.1 In this case, you should hold off for a bit.

If you use an Android tablet or an iPad/iPhone then you won’t benefit from using the same interface for your phone and PC. Even if you run a Windows 8 phone (e.g. Nokia or HTC) then don’t expect version 8.1 to merge your PC and phone software into a single, seamless product. Microsoft are not quite there, just yet.

Would you like advice on upgrading to Windows 8?

Leave your details via the contact form and we will get in touch to explain your options.